To explore the connections between popular music and technology from a variety of historical and theoretical perspectives. To examine how the introduction of new technologies has affected the stylistic development of individual popular music genres and the cultures associated with them.  To examine the interplay between new technologies and the music industry. To develop listening skills with particular emphasis on recorded texts

(LO1) Understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the study of popular music and technology

(LO2) Ability to identify significant developments in instrumental technology, production equipment/techniques and distribution technologies.

(LO3) Ability to demonstrate developed listening skills in relation to recorded production techniques and instrumentation

(LO4) Ability to identify some of the ways in which technological factors and the social uses of technology impact on the production and reception of popular music

(S1) Communication, listening and questioning respecting others, contributing to discussions, communicating in a foreign language, influencing, presentations

(S2) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

(S3) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

This is a non-practical course which examines the ongoing relationship between technological development, popular music and the cultures which surround it. Specific topics will reflect staff research interests. Indicative topics include: key technological developments of the twentieth century; the History of Sound Recording; recording technologies in the home; technology and Aesthetics; technological music cultures; the history and significance of production techniques; computer mediated communication and popular music cultures; the internet: distribution, piracy and file-sharing

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Description: Lectures introduce core concepts and issues Teaching Method 2 - Seminar Description: Seminars facilitate further discussion of material raised in lectures by way of small group discussion Teaching Method 3 - Student Generated Content (e.g. MCQs, video) Description: Workshops encourage students to share their own research